April is "Month of the Young Child"

Thursday

Apr 17, 2014 at 4:26 PM

By Peter BeckerManaging Editor

MILFORD - Recognizing the value of quality preschool education and applauding one of Pike County's children advocates took up much of the Commissioners' meeting, April 16. Fairly light in attendance from the adult community, children more than made up for it when a parade of five local preschools or day care centers stopped by. Commissioner Matthew Osterberg read the resolution proclaiming April as the Month of the Young Child in Pike County. It recognizes the local efforts of a group known as Recognizing Excellence in Early Childhood Education (REECHE), which is marking this occasion along with the National Association for the Education of Young Children. REECHE is a non profit organization whose members have been promoting quality early care and education in the Tri-State Area through community events for 11 years. "Members are caregivers, teachers, community members, and administrators who value our youngest learners," as is stated on their web site. President and co-founder Luann Genovas received the proclamation and was in touch with the advancing troop about to descend on the County Administration Building. The annual parade started at St. Patrick's Parish and walked several blocks of downtown Milford. Sporting banners and signs as well as colorful shirts signifying their respective preschool or day care, the groups walked in solidarity, the little charges bundled against the winter-like nip and escorted by adults from each center. Good Shepherd Child Care Center (Milford), Little Acorns Day Care, Little Wonders Learning Center (Dingmans Ferry), Ann Street School (Milford) and Mountain View School for Early Learning & Education (Matamoras) were well represented. State Rep. Mike Peifer also joined the procession. Genovas said that 100 percent of the early learning programs in Pike County voluntarily participate in the state's Keystone STARS Initiative. This designation calls for certain standards for quality early childhood education. The Commissioners' resolution calls attention to the need for high-quality early childhood services for all children and families in the community and urges all citizens to support the needs of young children in the area. In a separate action, the Commissioners also presented a resolution thanking Tammy McCullough, Children & Youth (C&Y) Director, who has submitted her resignation. The Daleville, Pa. area resident started as a C&Y case worker for Pike County, became a supervisor and in 2009 was named director. She has accepted a position with Pennsylvania C&Y & Families. Commissioner Karl Wagner read the resolution. Chairman Richard Caridi expressed his thanks and remarked about McCullough's dedication to the children and families of Pike County.